At Fazakerley Primary School, we recognise that our school population is not diverse and that children’s first-hand experience of people from other countries, ethnic backgrounds or religious beliefs is limited. It is therefore essential that we actively promote and teach the importance of respect, tolerance, justice and fairness. We also explore the importance of endeavour, democracy and sovereignty as children explore the wider role our nation has in the world and the opportunities that exist within our communities.

As a whole school, through our behaviour management ethos, we promote SMART thinking, celebrating Sensible behaviour towards other, rewarding Manners, positive Attitudes, Responsible behaviours and Trying your very best at all times. Children are encouraged to take responsibilities for their actions from an early age. We help children to understand that they are responsible for their own behaviour, discuss what is right and wrong and the impact that wrong doing can have on their futures and the experiences of others. They are consistently reminded that throughout life they will need to make choices and that they should choose to do what they know to be right. A whole school focus on P4C (Philosophy for Children) allows children to discuss a range of issues exploring their own moral view point and those of others, developing mutual respect and tolerance of others’ opinions whilst being ready to challenge bias, bigotry and intolerance. Every two years children take part in Pupil Council elections, there is a week long period of hustings where children draw up their election speeches and then formal elections take place. Older children are involved in a debating society where ethical and topical issues are explored, they learn to respect the view points of others whilst justifying and evidencing their beliefs. The recently established Eco-Club has identified eco-champions across Key Stage 2

All children learn about the importance of community, of sharing and of thankfulness through events such as Harvest Festival food collection and distribution as well as developing an increasing understanding of the impact of organisations such as Children in Need, Comic Relief, NSPCC, Barnardo’s and Save the Children. Through such events they learn how they can impact positively on the lives of others.

At Fazakerley EYFS we follow the Early Learning Outcomes. These provide us with guidance that allows us to work towards tolerance, love, respect and caring for others. Here are some key statements that underline our daily practice.

Our children talk about how they and others show feelings, talk about their own and others’ behaviour, and its consequences and know that some behaviour is unacceptable. They work as part of a group or class, and understand and follow the rules.

Our children play co-operatively, taking turns with others. They take account of one another’s ideas about how to organise their activity. They show sensitivity to others’ needs and feelings, and form positive relationships with adults and other children.

Our children talk about past and present events in their own lives and in the lives of family members. They know that other children don’t always enjoy the same things, and are sensitive to this. They know about similarities and differences between themselves and others, and among families, communities and traditions.

We work towards these outcomes in every aspect of our planning and wider curriculum. Our relentless focus is on developing the children’s social and emotional intelligence so that they understand the key principles of fairness and respect. We hope to give the children the right start to be able to develop into respectful and productive citizens.

In Year 1 the children undertake a local study. This allows them to explore their home town, its place within the country and significant British cities. They read stories by significant children’s authors Roald Dahl and Julia Donaldson. They begin to learn about the Royal family and the Queen, introducing them to the concept of monarchy.

In Year 2 the children are inspired by the Great Fire of London writing explanations about the events that started in Pudding Lane. Through the study of Guy Fawkes and the ‘Gun Powder Plot’, they begin to explore the conflict that can arise through intolerance whilst exploring the rule of law. The experiences of Mary Seacole and Florence Nightingale in the Crimea introduces the children to how intolerance must be challenged and that sometimes it takes great self-belief and determination to challenge both prejudicial and discriminatory behaviour.

In Year 3 children learn about early settlers and develop their knowledge about the origins of our nation from the Stone Age through to the Iron Age. The children continue to develop their knowledge and understanding of their local area by comparing our city of Liverpool to a small village in another area of England. In music the children are introduced to music from around the world and are introduced to the work of Benjamin Britten looking in particular at one of his ‘Friday Afternoons’ songs ‘ There was a monkey.’ In RE the children learn about inspirational characters and significant figures that have impacted on our society.

In Year 4 the children are taught about the early Anglo Saxons, this allows the children to understand the origins of our nation and that we are influenced and shaped by many. The children further develop their understanding of the growth of Liverpool and the changing landscape of our locality. Visits to Chester, a Hindu temple and museums give direct experience of the origins of our nation as well as the varied faiths and practices of our fellow citizens. In music they are introduced to the music of Benjamin Britain specifically the piece entitled ‘Cuckoo’.

In Year 5 Children learn about Ancient Greece and begin to appreciate the legacy that Greek civilisation has left behind, exploring the concepts of democracy and elections. They build on the work done in Year 4 learning about Benjamin Britain and his influence on the world of music. Later in the year they learn about inspirational figures from Liverpool, the role of charity and the range of faiths across our city. Deeper conversations take place when they study the issue of prejudice and how persons of different faiths have been persecuted for their beliefs. Children discuss the need to combat discrimination. Through this children explore concepts of tolerance, respect and individual liberty, they are made aware of the freedom to hold other faiths and that this is protected in the law.

Year 6 begin the year with a biography of Edward Jenner and the discovery of the small pox vaccine. They realise the impact this discovery had on the world. Study of the slave trade embeds the early studies about discrimination, bigotry and racism. They see the lead taken by British politicians in challenging the morality of slavery. These issues are explored further through the discussion of ethical issues in RE.

At Fazakerley Primary School it is our aim to create experiences that help shape our children to become valuable, caring, considerate and tolerant members of society, with a readiness to challenge discrimination and anti-social behaviour wherever they encounter it.